Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has explained the reason behind Alex Moreno being missing from the matchday squad against Chelsea.
The Spaniard suffered a serious injury towards the end of last season against Liverpool, away at Anfield which has ruled him out ever since.
After joining from Real Betis last January, the left-back had been an everpresent under Emery and had gained the love of the Villa faithful.
With him flying down the left and Ashley Young sitting back, the Villains were in formidable form both offensively and defensively.
With the injury to Moreno and the departure of Young, Villa’s backline has undergone an almost full revamp.
The defender was back in the squad against Crystal Palace and Legia Warsaw but was omitted away at Stamford Bridge.
What has Unai Emery said about Alex Moreno?
Emery has always made his feelings on Moreno clear, as what he adds to the team is top-class.
With the form Lucas Digne has been in, the missing Spaniard’s impact hasn’t been as noticeable as first thought.
On the left back’s omission, he said: “Alex Moreno, his injury was really hard and he’s been better and better but he’s not feeling one hundred per cent comfortable to play”
With the injury being as serious and recovery being as lengthy as it has been, precaution is necessary.
Emery opened up about that: “We decided to stop for some days, maybe one week, maybe two weeks, to work strongly with him in the process to get him ready to play.
“Hopefully, he’s close again to being in the squad”
With EFL Cup, Europa Conference League and Premier League there will be plenty of opportunity for Moreno to rebuild his fitness.
